The Academic Minute for 2020.08.24-2020.08.28

The Academic Minute from 08.24 – 08.28

Monday, August 24th
James Petrick – Texas A&M University
The Effects of Travel
Jim Petrick is a Full Professor, Research Fellow and the Associate Department Head for Graduate Studies in the Department of RPTS at Texas A&M University.  His research interest focuses on applying marketing and psychology principles in the context of tourism services.  Pursuant to this interest, his research has been concentrated on understanding tourists’ purchase behaviors, to assist in properly marketing to them as well as the physiological effects travel has on the tourist.  His Tourism Marketing Lab currently consists of 8 students (6 Ph.D. and 2 M.S.) and is likely the largest and most productive of its type in North America.

Tuesday, August 25th
Marlene A. Dixon – Texas A&M University
Effects of Sports Programming on Girls in Underserved Communities
Dr. Marlene Dixon is a Professor and Chair of Graduate Studies in Sport Management at Texas A&M University. A long time sport participant, coach, and scholar, her passion lies in creating sport experiences for girls and women that optimize the life quality for those involved in all facets of the sport experience. Dixon was named the Earle F. Ziegler career achievement recipient in 2020, and is a Research Fellow in the North American Society for Sport Management. Her current project is a collaborative effort between Leadership Foundations and the Center for Sport Management Research and Education at Texas A&M.

Wednesday, August 26th
Traver Wright – Texas A&M University
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Dr. Traver Wright is a Research Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University in the department of Health and Kinesiology. He received his bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology from Texas A&M University at Galveston and his PhD in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences at Texas A&M University. During his postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, his research expanded to include human translational research examining fatigue, metabolism, and loss of muscle mass in patients suffering from inflammatory disease states including cancer and traumatic brain injury.

Thursday, August 27th
Alison Pittman – Texas A&M University
LGBTQIA+ Medical Care
Alison Pittman, PhD, MSN, CPN, RN, CNE is a clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Nursing. Her research interests include pediatric obesity, sibling visitation in pediatric critical care, innovative teaching strategies in nursing LGBTQ health in youth and young adults, diversity in nursing education and the nursing workforce, ACES (adverse childhood experiences) and their effect on health, and nursing student health.

Friday, August 28th
George Cunningham – Texas A&M University
Physical Activity and Climate Change Attitudes
George B. Cunningham (Ph.D., The Ohio State University) is a Professor and Sr. Assistant Provost for Graduate and Professional Studies at Texas A&M University. His research focus is on diversity and inclusion in sport and physical activity. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles and book chapters; has authored an award-winning book (Diversity in Sport Organizations); and has co-edited an award-winning book (Routledge Handbook of Theory in Sport Management). He is a member of the National Academy of Kinesiology.